‘Broadcasters as First Responders’ bill
Steve Safran April 16th, 2007
At the NAB keynote on Monday, Sen. Mary Landrieu (D – LA) announced a new bill she is introducing to the Senate that would put broadcasters on the official list of ‘first responders’ in the event of a major disaster. Said Landrieu: “The next time there is a disaster, police, fire and now journalists are on the list to get fuel, water and food. You won’t be told you’re not on the list… As far as I’m concerned you’re essential to help with whatever catastrophes happen.”
1 Comment Add your own
1. MD | April 17th, 2007 at 9:32 am
Hmmmmm. . .
I’d love to know how she defines “journalist.”
In this age of the so-called citizen journalist, anyone with a camcorder could show up and claim they’re legit. Any loose interpretation is going to present some problems. I appreciate the spirit of her plan, but I hope it narrowly defines which “journalists” get provisions.
I’d say “first responders” would only apply to broadcast media with LIVE transmission gear in tow. Then again, would a newspaper photog carrying a satellite phone for posting photos and video to their website count??
It’s going to be interesting to see what happens.
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